C700Package Services

C700 describes the basic dimension standards and weight
limits for Package Services, including the criteria for nonmachinability.

1.0[7-10-03] Package Services

These standards apply to Package Services:

a. No piece may weigh more than 70 pounds, except
matter at Bound Printed Matter rates may not weigh more than 15 pounds.

b. Except for Parcel Post under 1.0c, the combined length and girth of a piece
(i.e., the length of its longest side plus the distance around its thickest
part) may not exceed 108 inches.

c. Parcel Post pieces measuring over 108 inches in
combined length and girth, but not more than 130 inches in combined
length and girth, are mailable at the applicable oversized rate.

d. Parcel Post pieces measuring over 84 inches in combined
length and girth, but not more than 108 inches in combined length and
girth, and weighing less than 15 pounds are mailable at the rate equal
to that of a 15-pound parcel for the zone to which the parcel is addressed.

e. Two or more packages may be mailed as a single parcel,
if they are about the same size or shape or if they are parts of one
article, if they are securely wrapped or fastened together, and if they
do not together exceed the weight or size limits.

f. Lower size or weight standards apply to mail claimed
at certain rates, addressed to certain APOs and FPOs, or sent by the
Department of State to U.S. government personnel abroad.

g. Pieces might be subject to minimum weight or dimensions
based on the standards for specific rates.

2.0Nonmachinable PARCEL POST

Mailpieces described in this section that are mailed at
the Inter-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel Post, DSCF Parcel
Select, or DBMC Parcel Select rates are subject to the applicable nonmachinable
surcharge in R700 unless the applicable special handling
fee is paid. An oversized parcel as described in 1.0c is not subject to the nonmachinable surcharge.
Mailpieces are nonmachinable if they meet any of the following criteria:

d. A parcel containing more than 24 ounces of liquid
in glass containers, or 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic
containers.

e. An insecurely wrapped or metal-banded parcel.

f. A can, roll, or tube, or wooden or metal box.

g. Books, printed matter, or business forms weighing
more than 25 pounds.

h. A high-density parcel weighing more than 15 pounds
and exerting more than 60 pounds per-square-foot pressure on its smallest
side.

i. A film case weighing more than 5 pounds or with
strap-type closures, except any film case the USPS authorizes to be
entered as a machinable parcel under C050 and to be identified by the words
Machinable in United States Postal Service Equipment permanently
attached as a nontransferable decal in the lower right corner of the
case.

j. Parcels with characteristics (such as inadequate
packaging) that could result in damage to the contents of the mailpiece,
other parcels, or postal machinery if mechanical sortation is used.

3.0Postal Inspection

Package Services is not sealed against postal inspection.
Package Services may be prepared for automated processing but must allow
easy examination.